Strawberries are one of the most delicious and nutritious fruits that can be grown in your backyard or garden. However, they are also a favorite snack of many pests, including birds and squirrels. If you’re not careful, these pesky creatures can devour your entire strawberry crop, leaving you with nothing to show for your hard work. This is why it’s essential to take measures to protect your strawberries from birds and squirrels.
Why Protecting Strawberries from Birds and Squirrels is Crucial
Birds and squirrels can cause significant damage to your strawberry plants, not only by eating the fruit but also by damaging the leaves and stems. This can lead to reduced yields, stunted growth, and even the death of your plants. Moreover, if you’re planning to sell your strawberries or use them for commercial purposes, bird- and squirrel-damaged fruits can be a significant economic loss. By protecting your strawberries, you can ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest.
Overview of the Guide
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various methods and techniques to protect your strawberries from birds and squirrels. From physical barriers to repellents, we will cover a range of solutions to help you keep these pests at bay. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and expertise to safeguard your strawberry crop and enjoy a successful harvest.
How to Protect Strawberries from Birds and Squirrels
Strawberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be a wonderful addition to any garden or backyard. However, they can be a tempting treat for birds and squirrels, which can be a nuisance for gardeners. If you’re tired of sharing your strawberry harvest with these furry and feathered critters, don’t worry – there are several ways to protect your strawberries from birds and squirrels.
Understanding the Problem
Birds and squirrels are attracted to strawberries because they’re sweet, juicy, and easy to access. Birds, such as robins, blue jays, and sparrows, will often fly down to snatch a ripe strawberry right off the plant. Squirrels, on the other hand, will often dig up the plants or steal the fruit from the bushes. These pests can cause significant damage to your strawberry plants, reducing your harvest and leaving you with nothing but a pile of leaves and stems.
Physical Barriers
One of the most effective ways to protect your strawberries from birds and squirrels is to use physical barriers. These can include:
- These are lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow plants to receive sunlight and water while keeping birds and squirrels out. Row covers can be placed directly over the strawberry plants or over the entire bed.
- This is a mesh material that can be draped over individual plants or over the entire strawberry bed. Bird netting is effective at keeping birds out, but may not be as effective against squirrels.
- This is a type of mesh material that is made from copper wire. Copper mesh is an effective deterrent against squirrels, who don’t like the taste of copper.
- If you have a large strawberry patch, you may want to consider fencing it in. A 3-foot high fence can be effective at keeping out birds and squirrels.
Repellents
Another way to protect your strawberries from birds and squirrels is to use repellents. These can include: (See Also: How To Attract Birds To My Feeder)
- This may sound unusual, but predator urine, such as coyote or fox urine, can be an effective deterrent against birds and squirrels. These animals have a natural fear of predators, and the smell of their urine can keep them away.
- This is a spray made from hot peppers that can be applied directly to the strawberry plants. The capsaicin in the peppers will deter birds and squirrels from feeding on the plants.
- Garlic has natural insect-repelling properties that can also be effective against birds and squirrels. Mix crushed garlic with water and spray it directly on the plants.
- These are devices that spray water when they detect motion. They can be an effective deterrent against birds and squirrels, who don’t like getting wet.
Covering the Plants
Covering the strawberry plants can also be an effective way to protect them from birds and squirrels. This can include:
- These are clear plastic or glass jars that fit over individual strawberry plants. They allow sunlight and water to reach the plants while keeping birds and squirrels out.
- These are bell-shaped covers that fit over individual plants. They can be made from plastic, glass, or metal and are effective at keeping birds and squirrels out.
- These are long, tunnel-shaped covers that fit over entire rows of strawberry plants. They can be made from plastic or metal and are effective at keeping birds and squirrels out.
Planting Strategies
Another way to protect your strawberries from birds and squirrels is to use planting strategies that make it difficult for them to access the fruit. This can include:
- Planting strawberries in containers can make it difficult for birds and squirrels to access the fruit. Make sure the containers are at least 6-8 inches deep to prevent squirrels from digging.
- Planting strawberries in hanging baskets can make it difficult for birds and squirrels to access the fruit. Just be sure to hang the baskets high enough to prevent squirrels from jumping up.
- Planting strawberries in raised beds can make it difficult for birds and squirrels to access the fruit. Make sure the raised beds are at least 3-4 feet high to prevent squirrels from climbing up.
Using Companion Planting
Companion planting is the practice of planting different plants together to improve growth and reduce pests. Some plants, such as:
- These flowers repel nematodes, which can be beneficial for strawberry plants. They also repel birds and squirrels.
- Chives repel aphids and other pests that can be attracted to strawberries. They also improve the flavor and texture of strawberries.
- Borage attracts beneficial insects, such as bees, which can help pollinate strawberries. It also repels pests, such as nematodes and whiteflies.
Harvesting Frequently
One of the simplest ways to protect your strawberries from birds and squirrels is to harvest them frequently. This can include:
- Pick strawberries as soon as they’re ripe to prevent birds and squirrels from getting to them first.
- Remove overripe fruit from the plants to prevent birds and squirrels from being attracted to them.
- Harvest strawberries in the morning, when birds and squirrels are less active.
Using Bird-Repellent Plants
Some plants, such as:
- Lavender repels birds and other pests with its strong scent.
- Rosemary repels birds and other pests with its strong scent.
- Sage repels birds and other pests with its strong scent.
Using Squirrel-Repellent Plants
Some plants, such as: (See Also: What Birds Have Teeth)
- Daffodils are toxic to squirrels and can be planted around the perimeter of your strawberry patch.
- Hyacinths are toxic to squirrels and can be planted around the perimeter of your strawberry patch.
- Chili peppers can be planted around the perimeter of your strawberry patch to deter squirrels.
Recap and Key Points
In this article, we’ve discussed several ways to protect strawberries from birds and squirrels. These include using physical barriers, repellents, covering the plants, planting strategies, companion planting, harvesting frequently, and using bird- and squirrel-repellent plants. By using one or more of these methods, you can enjoy a bountiful strawberry harvest without sharing it with birds and squirrels.
Remember to:
- Use physical barriers, such as row covers, bird netting, and fencing, to keep birds and squirrels out.
- Use repellents, such as predator urine, hot pepper spray, and garlic spray, to deter birds and squirrels.
- Cover the plants with strawberry jars, cloches, or strawberry tunnels to keep birds and squirrels out.
- Use planting strategies, such as planting in containers, hanging baskets, or raised beds, to make it difficult for birds and squirrels to access the fruit.
- Use companion planting, such as marigolds, chives, and borage, to improve growth and reduce pests.
- Harvest strawberries frequently to prevent birds and squirrels from getting to them first.
- Use bird- and squirrel-repellent plants, such as lavender, rosemary, and daffodils, to deter pests.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a successful strawberry harvest and keep those pesky birds and squirrels at bay!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective way to cover strawberries to prevent birds and squirrels from eating them?
Covering strawberries with a physical barrier is an excellent way to protect them from birds and squirrels. You can use row covers, which are lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow plants to receive sunlight and water while keeping pests out. Another option is to use individual strawberry covers or cloches, which fit over each plant. Make sure to secure the covers with stakes or weights to prevent them from being blown away.
How can I use repellents to deter birds and squirrels from eating my strawberries?
Repellents can be an effective way to deter birds and squirrels from eating your strawberries. You can try using predator urine, such as coyote or fox urine, around the perimeter of your strawberry bed. You can also use hot pepper sprays or powders, which will deter birds and squirrels due to their intense heat. Another option is to use bird-repellent granules or powders that contain capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers. (See Also: How Much Are Cockatoo Birds)
Will using bird-repellent balloons or reflective tape help keep birds and squirrels away from my strawberries?
Yes, using bird-repellent balloons or reflective tape can be a helpful deterrent for birds and squirrels. The movement and reflection of the balloons or tape can startle and confuse birds and squirrels, making them less likely to approach your strawberry plants. You can tie the balloons to stakes near the plants or hang the reflective tape around the perimeter of the bed. Just be sure to move the balloons or tape regularly to keep the pests from getting used to them.
Can I use netting to protect my strawberries from birds and squirrels?
Yes, netting can be an effective way to protect your strawberries from birds and squirrels. You can drape the netting over the plants or create a cage around the bed using stakes and twine. Make sure the netting is at least 3 feet tall to prevent birds and squirrels from jumping over it. You can also use a finer-mesh netting to keep out smaller pests like robins and blue jays.
Will planting strawberries in containers help protect them from birds and squirrels?
Yes, planting strawberries in containers can help protect them from birds and squirrels. Containers can be moved to areas that are less accessible to pests, such as a patio or deck. You can also use containers with built-in protection, such as ones with bird-repellent coatings or covers. Additionally, you can place the containers on a pedestal or table to make it harder for pests to jump up and reach the plants.
